F1 to conduct independent wind-tunnel research

©Sauber

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Formula 1 sporting manager Ross Brawn will do independent wind tunnel research before finalising the sport's aerodynamic regulations for 2021.

According the Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, Formula 1 is seeking an independent approach and conclusions from its aero work, with the aim of leveling the playing field when F1's new rules come into effect in 2021.

Former Williams tech boss Pat Symonds, who is a member of Brawn's selective panel dedicated to defining F1's future regulation platform, hopes the group's work will be more successful than when a similar group worked on the 2009 rules.

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"At the time, we underestimated what would happen when hundreds of clever engineers went to work on our good approach," Symonds said.

In addition to Symonds, former Ferrari designer Nikolas Tombazis also sits on the prominent panel entrusted with shaping the future of F1.

Auto Motor und Sport is also reporting that The Formula One Group has acquired the scale wind tunnel model of Manor's 2017 car, and is now searching for infrastructure to run it in.

"We are less interested in the flow around the car, but the flow 40 metres behind it," Symonds revealed.

The report said the wind tunnels of Sauber, Williams and Toyota are currently under consideration as appropriate locations for conducting research, although Williams' own wind tunnel would be the venue of choice for F1's research.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.